MegaSack DRAW - This year's winner is user - rgwb
We will be in touch
I have an On One Inbred 29er singlespeed, but it's currently built up as my daily commuter, with some nice road tyres and crud catchers.
When the better weather arrives I'm planning on whacking the big nobbly tyres back on and trying singlespeeding offroad for the first time.
Until then, I'd like to change my ratios because they are close to spinning out on fast flat road sections.
The question is: which is going to be easiest to change back when the weather improves - the front chainring or the cog at the back?
Or am I thinking about this in the wrong way?! 😀
Thank you.
i'd change the back. probably a bit quicker. smaller cogs wear faster than bigger ones. if you haven't changed the chain recently then do that too - the old one is probably worn in with the cog you have currently, and you'll need a longer chain anyway.
Back is a lot cheaper to do. Neither is particularly difficult.
There is also the thought that larger cogs/rings give you more chain wrap reducing wear and minimising the chain slipping under torque, so bigger chainring would be my choice.
changing the rear may mean you wont have to change the chain length just push the wheel forward in the dropouts,,
What ratio are you running currently, and how hilly is it where you live?
I run a 42:18 on my roadrat, which is built up as a crosser, and I find it's a pretty good ratio for mixed road / off road riding in medium / rolling terrain. Have only had to push it on a couple of really muddy climbs so far and have been running it like that for a year or so.
I'd agree with the others that neither change is difficult - probably a 10 minute job either end with the right tools. Would also agree that you want to avoid shortening the chain if you can get away with it.